Confidentiality is a priority. For clients over 18 years of age, authorization is required before anyone can be communicated with, including family members.

What is confidentiality?

Confidentiality is your right to privacy. It guarantees that the things you discuss in therapy remain completely private. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if there is immanent danger that you are going to seriously harm yourself or someone else. This requires the therapist by law to report to the appropriate authorities in order to prevent death or abuse.

How does confidentiality work with teenagers?

Confidentiality does apply to teenagers as well as other populations. Authorization is not required in order to communicate with parents of youth 17 years of age and younger. However, to respect the privacy of the teen and facilitate therapeutic benefits items discussed during therapy will remain between the youth and the therapist unless there is serious risk of harm. The teenager will also be assured that nothing will be discussed with parents without his or her prior knowledge.

How does confidentiality work with kids?

Confidentiality does apply to children as well as other populations. However, the families are very closely involved in counseling services for children. Children usually require the support of their parents in order to make changes. Therefore, parents are kept well informed of their child’s progress and concerns and are often included in the actual therapy sessions.

How do I figure out all of the insurance issues?

You don’t. We do that for you. Just give us a call at (317) 346-6252 and we will complete any pre-certifications or authorizations that need to be done. We will also submit billing to insurance for you.

Will billing my insurance for therapy put a scar on my record that will affect school, job, or medical or life insurance in the future?

There is no way that any employer or educational program can access your insurance or mental health and counseling records without your permission. This information is completely private and will in no way affect employment or education. If billed to insurance, some diagnoses of serious mental illness may impact eligibility for some life insurance programs due to increased risk factors. Additionally, a diagnosis of a serious mental illness could also be seen as a pre-existing condition when switching medical insurances in the future if attention is not given to transitioning according to all the regulations.

How many sessions will I need to attend and how often?

The number of therapy sessions is unique to each individual. Commonly, positive outcomes are achieved with 5-8 sessions but it will be equally likely that treatment may be more brief or extended depending on the nature of the presenting issues. Usually therapy sessions are weekly in the beginning and as progress towards your goals are being made, sessions are spaced further and further apart until we mutually decide that we have met our goals for treatment and decide to discontinue your therapy.

How flexible are your payment plans?

Don’t be afraid to ask. We will do whatever we can to work with you regarding payment. That being said, we must collect for our services. This becomes a legal issue because we must show the insurance companies and other clients that we are charging everyone with the same rate and our financial policies are fair and equal for all of our clients.

What happens if I have a crisis and need to see a therapist before my scheduled appointment?

If this is a true emergency, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room. If it is not an emergency but you need to get in earlier to see one of the therapists, call the office. We will return your call and in most cases will be able to fit you in within 24-48 hours.

Will you write court or school reports if I request them?

Yes. There is a hourly charge to complete reports (See Billing Page) and we will need an authorization from you verifying it is ok to release the information. You will be able to review any requested reports prior to them being sent out.

What are authorizations and why would I want to consider using one?

Authorizations are a form that you fill out in order to give your permission for Choices in Counseling to communicate with another individual or agency. You may want to consider this if a family member or friend would be a support to accomplishing your counseling goals. You may also request an authorization if you would like the therapist to coordinate with your child’s school, a probation officer, a family doctor, or another counseling agency. This is completely voluntary and at the client’s request.

What do I do if it feels like the therapy is not helping?

Talk to your therapist. It is ok and actually helpful to express any concerns you may have.This enables your therapist to work with you to address them.

Can therapy really fix all of my problems?

Therapy is not a magic pill that will “fix” problems. However, it can help you to identify needs and build on successes. Ideally, therapy gives you the tools you need to work towards the goals you identify.

What if I need to continue therapy after the allotted number of sessions my insurance allows?

Talk with your therapist. We may be able to request additional sessions or discuss self-pay options that may be available.

Find out more about Choices in Counseling and what we can do to help you and your family improve your view of the future. Continue to explore our web site by using the menu bar above or by clicking on any of the links below:

Info about our staff, their hours and credentialing.CLICK HERE

Services we offer and information about therapy.CLICK HERE

Details on insurance reimbursement and billing.CLICK HERE

Photos, contact info and maps to our office.CLICK HERE

Info about our staff, their hours and credentialing.CLICK HERE

Services we offer and information about therapy.CLICK HERE

Details on insurance reimbursement and billing.CLICK HERE

Photos, contact info and maps to our office.CLICK HERE

Call Choices in Counseling today at (317) 346-6252 with any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you.